Things to Ask When Looking for a Reliable Auto Body Shop
Choosing the right auto body shop can be overwhelming. There are many factors to consider, and each car accident is unique. However, you can ask some general questions when looking for a reliable auto body shop. Here are some suggestions that will help you find an honest and trustworthy repair shop:
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How long has the shop been in business?
One of the first things to ask when looking for an auto body shop is how long they have been around. The company is well-established and trustworthy if a shop has been in business for many years. An established business can provide more extraordinary expertise and experience than a newer operation.
A small auto body shop may be reliable if it has been around for several years. Still, there are no guarantees—especially if you are concerned about receiving quality service from them in terms of car paint repair or other vehicle repairs.
What do previous customers say about the shop?
Firstly, if you’re new to the area, finding a shop with experience with your car model may be challenging. But don’t worry—there are ways of finding out if a shop is reputable without being able to talk with previous customers directly. Try asking the owner or manager what kinds of cars they work on most often and which cars they have worked on in the past.
Secondly, ask for testimonials from previous customers. If you live nearby and know someone who has used this auto body shop before, ask them about their experience there so that you can feel confident about leaving your car in their care (and get some peace of mind while waiting).
Finally, check out reviews online and on social media channels like Yelp or Facebook. These platforms allow people worldwide to share their experiences with different businesses, so they are an excellent resource when looking for reliable recommendations and insight into common issues or concerns among many customers at once.
Is the shop certified?
When you’re looking for a reliable auto body shop, you should be sure to ask about their certification. This can take the form of an independent test of their quality standards or simply that they have passed an inspection by a third party. A shop with certification is a sign that they have taken quality seriously and are willing to prove it by passing an independent test.
Certification doesn’t guarantee quality—but it does signify that the shop has taken steps toward being up to par with industry standards, which is important when you’re working on repairing your vehicle after an accident or other mishap.
Certification can come in many forms: local or national ones, like those offered through the Automotive Service Association (ASA) or International Organization for Standardization (ISO), are common; international organizations such as these also offer certifications for businesses that are looking for more global recognition.
Does the shop offer a warranty?
When you’re looking for a reliable auto body shop, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not they offer a warranty. This ensures that if any additional repairs are needed after your initial visit, you will be able to get them taken care of at no extra cost.
You’ll also want to ask how long their warranties last and what they cover. In some instances, this could mean that only certain parts of your car are covered while others aren’t (like paint). Some shops may even extend the length of time that their warranties last (if so, this will often be noted in writing).
Another thing you should consider when visiting an auto body shop is how easy it is for them to issue a claim for repairs under warranty. Suppose everything goes smoothly with filing the claim and getting approval from insurance companies.
In that case, this process might seem too simple—and could lead you down a dangerous path later on down the road when something does go wrong with one of these repairs or replacements later down the line.
Can they provide proof of insurance?
If a shop cannot provide you with proof of insurance, it is a red flag. This is because someone who does not have insurance cannot legally provide repairs to your car. In some cases, they may tell you that they have insurance but cannot produce any documentation because their policy requires them to keep the information in their home office. If this is the case, be wary and ensure the reputable body shop next door can vouch for this business before allowing access to your vehicle’s repair needs.
Conclusion
With all the choices, finding a shop you can trust is essential. You want to be able to trust that they know what they’re doing and have a good reputation for quality work. But don’t forget—the most important thing is how you feel when you visit or call the shop.
Do they make you feel welcome and cared for? Do they respect your time? Are they clear about their schedule, pricing, and policies? These questions are just as important as any others regarding picking an auto body shop.
About the Author
Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship, and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.
